Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC) – India’s leading educator in high-end 3D Animation and Visual Effects, recently organised a three-day National Students Meet in Hyderabad. Over 125 students made their way from different cities to participate in this eagerly awaited ‘National Students Meet’ and got a chance to interact with industry stalwarts.

The idea behind such a meet is to encourage animation and VFX students from all parts of the country to come together to be part of high end seminars, workshops, case studies, panel discussions and various creative activities. Besides this, the students are provided with a perfect platform for enthusiasts to work on live projects, meet professionals and get access to real life experiences and insights.

Actor Anu Aggarwal of the Bollywood film Aashiqui made the keynote address to the students talking about her career and her recently released memoir anusual. She spoke to students on what to expect from the entertainment industry, how to prepare for the challenges ahead, and how to deal with success and failure. She also spoke about being an eagle and riding the storm.

The event was also graced by Green Gold Animation, founder and CEO, Rajiv Chilaka. Further, Pete Draper of Makuta VFX, the principal studio for S. S. Rajamouli’s blockbuster film Baahubali, explained in detail how the animation techniques used in the film. Students also learnt the basics of Digital Photography by Sairtha Dattretary, followed by Ball Bounce and Back by DQ, creative director IP, Siddarth Vasudeva.

MAAC, senior VP and National Head of Events, Shajan Samuel, said, “This is a great platform for knowledge sharing and interfacing with industry experts and accomplished thought leaders. The National Students Meet is also a marriage of cultures, as students from varied regions, cultures and ethnicities get to know each other and share their experiences. All in all, it is a great experiential learning experience for students who are about to enter the corporate world.”

According to a finding in FICCI KPMG 2014, the animation, VFX and post- production industry in India is valued at Rs 44.9 billion from Rs 39.7 billion a year ago. This can be attributed to the fact that animation can now be found in every aspect of our lives from television, banking, entertainment, online shopping, web site designs and so on. Animation is a versatile and sought after skill to possess as the scope of careers is possible in virtually every sector from advertising, architecture, aviation, hospitality, travel and tourism, engineering, hospitals, media and entertainment.